Day 96 - My Life Compared to Liz Lemon

Alllo! I'm sitting here on our new love seat watching Liz Lemon's sad portrayal of life in 30 Rock, and I thought, well, if I remain on this path I am on, I could turn into Liz Lemon one day! Just kidding. I sure hope that isn't true. Although Liz is my idol, her role on this show makes her out to be a poorly dressed, routine woman. I like to think of myself as well dressed. I also would like to think that I will be successful one day. But Liz is successful. Baldwin is just busting her chops.

Back to my point. I realized I hadn't blogged in a while so here I am! Doug and I moved into our first apartment on November 15 and we've been slightly busy with moving and lugging all of our belongings up three flights of stairs with no elevator. It wasn't as bad at it sounds. Both sets of parents were along for the ride and to lend their hands. Everything is moved in and unpacked. Wednesday our remaining furniture will arrive including our dining room table which we will be serving our Thanksgiving meal on. I will be preparing all of the fixens, however, the guest of honor will not be present. I've never made a turkey before and therefor the guests and I deemed it not necessary. Alternative meats will be present by the mothers of the new apartment holders, and I'll be making a whole slue of yummy sides, treats and scrumptious things.

My jaw is doing good but I'll be back in a few weeks for routine check up. My last appointment (on move-in day) went well, however, my surgeon and ortho would like my mouth to open wider. I would like this too. Daily exercises have not been helping much. I'm back to only wearing the elastics at night but I have not noticed any difference in being able to open more since I've decreased my time wearing them. Surgeon mentioned physical therapy if my jaw doesn't open more. Our insurance ended and I'm now on a swell payment plan to knock down my current balance of my twenty four thousand dollar surgery. Fortunately I'm only responsible for about 3% of that and although that is a wonderfully lower amount, my pockets are still burning a whole with all these bills!

In efforts to save money we opted for basic cable. I must say I'm taking advantage of the channels we get as I never used to watch these low-number channels. Shows like 30 Rock, According to Jim, Terra Nova, House and Big Bang Theory, supply quality background sound while cooking or lazying around the apartment. It's all we need for now at least and it's much cheaper. Our wireless allows me to work comfortably from the couch and write my articles. Well, chao!

Doug and my office, sunny and bright and welcoming of our desk and my makeup table.

Day 81 - Update!

Currently there are a few things going on in the world of my post-surgery jaw, eating habits and overall health and well-being. I've been slacking with keeping my blog up-to-date. The problem is that I have somewhat of a life and my time must be managed properly. Between watching Mrs. Doubtfire and drinking Bosco chocolate goodness I somehow struggle to find the time to type up this here blog post. But, since we gained an hour today with Daylight Savings Time, I thought I now have no excuse and that this one extra hour should be spent in total productivity.

First, I've recently developed an odd pain in my shoulder/neck region,  similar to what dad experienced a few months ago when he was being irritable. He had a problem with his rotator cuff, the group of muscles that act to stabilize the shoulder. He messed it up when he tried lifting a tree singlehandedly. My pain began in my back as a mere dull ache a few weeks ago. I stand for several hours each shift at work and the hard cement floors certainly cannot be healthy for ones posture. As it progressed, my pain worsened and transmitted down my right side to my arm and shoulder. So what did I do? I didn't go to the doctor because last time I went to find out why I was tired, achy and had persistent headaches around the clock, tests were performed and one large bill was issued. Our insurance didn't cover the tests that were conducted. Results came in and I was told I'm normal and only a few hundred dollars in the whole.

After leaving the doc's office I did what anyone would do after receiving no helpful pieces of information in regards to making me healthy. I did my own research and discovered a lot of good information on TMJ. I subsequently decided it was a potential cause of my headaches as there's sufficient evidence to back up that claim. I self-diagnosed myself with TMJ. I figured that even if I didn't have it (although there's a great chance I do since uncle Pete says it is genetic as he also has it) my surgery was necessary due to my enormous overbite. Well, guess what folks, my headaches are back. I'm not jumping to conclusions as surgery was only two months ago and I'm still healing. Feeling is still coming back in different areas of my face and perhaps that explains the small, short, jolts of mild pain I've been receiving in my jaw area this past weekend.

So today I am at it once again, typing away on WebMD.com and it appears I have one of three things: a rotator cuff problem, a slipped disc, or frozen shoulder. Personally, all three of them sound very similar and I'm having trouble self-diagnosing my condition any further. All three of them say to rest it away and take anti-inflammatory medicine. Rest has helped a bit and I've been utilizing my left hand and neglecting my right for the time being. I'll also mention that my mild backache first began on my first day back to work. I figured my body wasn't used to work as it had been through so much trauma during surgery and afterwards I was use to resting all-day with no physical, heavy-duty movement. Standing for a long period of time can be especially rough for people in recovery.

On another note, I'm sick of wearing these elastics to keep my mouth closed. I'm back wearing my elastic bands 24/7 and removing them for a few hours each day. Orthodontist appointments have been less than ideal as my mouth isn't opening wide enough and my jaw is being "lazy" - according to my orthodontist. Apparently my jaw is much stronger than the bands that hold my mouth together, and I should bounce right back upon removing the elastics each morning and be able to open much wider. Currently one and a half finger widths can fit in my mouth but two would be more ideal.

Don't worry though, I have no problem with shoveling food into my mouth. I had a salad a few nights ago. I didn't think I could do it but I attempted, as I was in public and thought total regurgitation might be an unfortunate sight for fellow dining patrons. Besides salad I have been mowing down foods such as beef stew, chicken parmesan, and delicious cookie treats like the one below.

Not quite as good as Uno, but Applebee's Chocolate Chip Cookie Sundae hit the spot!

Yum.

Day 72 - Bosco

Mom brought home this chocolate syrup goodness one day and my life has never been the same since. I simply add it to a wholesome glass of milk and bam, my previously innocent and chocolate-lacking beverage has been transformed. I like how I can monitor the chocolate level and rev it up or minimize my chocolate intake... if that were ever needed, although I'm not sure why I would want to have less chocolate in my life. I found a Bosco recipe on their website and it's super easy to make. Stay tuned for future news of my Bosco cake. I'm sure it will be fabulous as I've been seeking out a perfect chocolate cake recipe with ideal levels of moiste-ness, and chocolate syrup may be the ingredient I had been missing.

Add Bosco Chocolate Syrup to your milk, dessert or bake into recipes.

Doug is healing up well after his wisdom-teeth removal, so now we are both almost entirely patched up and back to normal. I'm wearing two rabbit (the small size) elastics currently 24/7 but removed for eating and brushing. However, this ratio of time spent wearing versus having them off has been tweaked slightly. I spoke to my surgeon who suggested I remove them for a few hours each day. The current placement of the elastics is for strengthening purposes. My jaws are quite strong (according to my surgeon) and my elastics wearing have been reimplemented by the orthodontist. This coming week's ortho appointment will reveal the next step. If I'm able to open my mouth wide enough for work to be done then they will surely be satisfied. But somehow, when jaws are forcibly closed for the majority of hours each day, they do not want to open much when they are allowed to do so. I guess they are expecting a miracle on Thursday. Let's hope the one centimeter current opening will be doubled by my enormous amount of food I enjoy eating and daily mouth stretching exercises.

After reviewing my last blog post, I just realized I have forgot to mention that we got approved for our apartment. Our background and credit checks passed and we are moving into our new home (a place to call our own) on November 15, just in time for Thanksgiving. I would love to spend the holiday in our new place and prepare our first festive holiday meal. Sure it will be a lot of work but it will be a whole lot of fun to use all of our appliances and have everyone over.

The job market (as you probably know) is still looking meek, weak and depressing. I don't like saying "the economy" because what does that even mean? It's boring talk, like the stuff they speak of on those financial channels that only old people watch. Truth be told though, there are few jobs. I'm cherishing my current job and working hard because it's all I, or anyone, can do. I read somewhere that old tactics and tricks used for finding a job in a good economy are not going to work anymore. You must up the ante and try harder, work harder, be smarter and be so much better. Kiss ass even if it hurts. That's my tidbit of inspiration for tonight but I'll leave you with one thought. Don't get discouraged because that won't get you anywhere either. If you don't want to take my word for it, fine, but take Lucy's!

One of the things I learned the hard way was that it doesn't pay to get discouraged.  Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore your faith in yourself.

~Lucille Ball

Day 62 - The Best Part of the Muffin

I figured I would write a blog post today and utilize my downtime. I'm bad at the blog thing when I don't have excessive amounts of free-time. I figure one post every week or so should be sufficient. Doug had his wisdom teeth removed this morning and I'm here taking good care of him. Who else would know all about oral surgery and the recovery period, than I? I must say, upon seeing Doug in recovery I couldn't help but smile and be glad that he didn't have his jaws broken but only two stubborn teeth removed. I also smiled when the surgeon mentioned that Doug was a tough guy and that he had to supply extra drugs to put him under because apparently he was giving the doc hell. Hmm... I'll have to find out more later but I am aware of how defensive he sometimes gets when medical persons get too close to him! Ha.

Prior to taking more meds, I made him some delicious instant mashed potatoes, and I'm in love -- they look like fish food before cooking and take only a minute or two to make! My favorite moment is when you add the flakes and they settle into the liquid and instantly become mashed potatoes. I'm in such awe at this revelation because I grew up in a family that did not eat instant potatoes. But, since I'll be moving out of aforementioned family's house very soon, (we found an apartment and are still waiting on appending approval as we are first time leasers and have an established move-in date set for November 14, I will certainly be stocking up on the instant mashed potatoes! After all, something has got to fill up all the empty cabinets!

Doug resting peacefully, and me staying current on my blog.

I'm not sure where I left off in my last post, but I'm now done, cold-turkey with wearing my rubber elastics. This past week I resumed with wearing one sole elastic on my front teeth while sleeping. My surgeon suggested this because my surgical hooks should presumably be removed Wednesday by the ortho and it's wise to use these hooks while we have them! (Two weeks ago I visited the ortho but was unable to open my mouth wide enough to accomplish anything -- Fortunately I have more range now and this week's appointment is looking promising).

My next appointment with my surgeon isn't scheduled until December, so I'll be taking a break from the weekly or bi-weekly visits. My swelling particularly in the chin and cheeks is decreasing at a steady rate.  My weight is gradually going back up and I can now eat cheeseburgers after slicing them finely and forking in bite sized pieces.

Pork and crunchy vegetables are still no-no's but that's fine with me. Never was a big fan of either one.

What's not to like about 30 Rock, starring my favorite Tina Fey (Liz Lemon)??????
Do check it out. The best part of the muffin....

Check Out Cracker Barrel's Fall Contest!

Day 50 - Regurgitation and Slobbering

Yikes, it's been a week since my last blog post! To my defense, I had a busy week. This past weekend consisted of exciting wedding festivities to celebrate the wedding of my cousin. This event was my first big event since surgery and I managed to scarf down a select few food items. I was appreciative of their gateway into mealtime with delicious soup, I think it was called Italian Wedding. I easily consumed this as well as soft rolls and scrumptious chocolate cupcake for dessert. The main entree was difficult to get down without whole-swollowing chicken but I did okay. Especially since I whole-swallowed probably a dozen little cheese chunks prior to dinner. Whole-swallowing, although not recommended, works decently well.

The night prior at the pre-wedding festivities, Doug and I escaped for a short time to the pizza shop next door (for me to avoid awkward eating pictures of me inhaling food in its entirety). Cut into tiny pieces and partially de-cheesed, pizza (with an abundance) of water can pass through the esophagus nicely. But I sure had one heck of a tummy ache the next day. 

Doug and I after the ceremony testing out the alter ;)

I'm happy to say I can partially chew now. I'm still gumming things down but without thinking much I can get pasta down. Lucky for me spaghetti is our main staple in this house.

The seasons are changing and I'm freezing my end off. Mom and dad don't like to put the heat on until after Christmas. Well not quite but seriously here, I'm cold. How about you invest in a fireplace heat exchanger and save moments of complaints from number one daughter? These are nifty because they help build up amazing heat in the fireplace while making sure to keep smoke from coming into your home.

Monday night was my last night wearing elastic bands and I'm currently bandless. I had my orthodontist appointment Wednesday but not much could be done. I can only open my mouth the smallest amount and wires could not be changed. They did replace my stained front brackets that had got a little nasty while being wired shut. I've also been given a week off from my weekly sugery post-op visits. I'll be seeing the surgeon in five days to see how everything is going. My orthodontist remarked that my bite right now looks fantastic, but that could change and I may have to wear elastics again. Oh give me a break. Now you would think that since I'm robotically assembled with nuts and bolts that nothing is able to move but I guess anything is possible. Only time will tell...

Today is day 50 in my recovery from jaw surgery. My first day back to work was this past Tuesday. It took me long enough and my finances are kicking me in the butt for taking my sweet time going back to work. Five hour shifts of work are perfect right now as eating (shoveling food through my tiny opening) in front of co-workers is not ideal. Although one co-worker today commented that she has successfully raised her children, implying that my regurgitation and slobbering during meal time is nothing to be ashamed of.

Future blog posts will be written on a need-to-write basis meaning that they'll be posted for important, worth-mentioning topics. Since I'm back working, my downtime (excessive sleeping) has been replaced with hours of productivity. Although I consider my blog productive, the world still continues if I don't post. I think. My jaw is doing fabulous today besides the remaining numbness in my chin which hasn't disappeared yet. Massage is said to stimulate circulation so when washing my face I pay particular attention to the numb areas.

While paying attention to my numb parts of my face, I do so in front of my little bedroom mirror. I've always wanted a vanity mirror that comes part of a vanity bedroom set. Different sizes, colors and materials can be used in creating the perfect one for you. Many cheap vanities are available. Cool lights are fun accessories too to have while using your vanity mirror. Have you ever considered possini lighting to give your room some sparkle? Add glow with different color hues. From traditional to extraordinary, different lighting options are available from chandeliers to table lamps. Explore your options and put some color into your world.